The eight Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have called off their respective pre-tournament camps till further notice, three days after the COVID-19 pandemic forced a suspension of India’s biggest money-spinner from March 29 to April 15. On Monday, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) canceled their training camp, which was scheduled to commence on March 21, due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country.

Three-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as well as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have already deferred heir practice camps.

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Tweeting regarding the same, the RCB said, “Keeping in mind the health and safety of everyone involved, the RCB Training Camp scheduled to start on the 21st of March has been deferred until further notice. We request everyone to follow the guidelines provided by the Health Ministry and stay safe.”

The RCB team is led by none other than the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli. Three-time winners Chennai Super Kings had suspended their camp on Saturday, after which their talisman Mahendra Singh Dhoni left the city amid the coronavirus outbreak.

On Friday, the BCCI decided to suspend the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League for more than a couple of sees the IPL following government-imposed travel restrictions and refusal by three states to host any matches owing to the pandemic that has so far claimed more than 7,000 lives globally while infecting over 1,80,000 people.

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The franchise owners are hoping that in case the IPL starts on April 15, the state governments, which have denied permission for matches, will be ready to give the green light should the situation improves.

India has so far reported 114 positive cases for COVID-19 with two deaths.